THE REAL COST OF COMMUTING IN IRELAND:
Unlocking Sustainable Mobility for Business
Picture the scene: the alarm goes off before dawn, and the familiar groan escapes as you think about the day’s journey. Whether it’s joining the seemingly endless queue on the M50, enduring the stop-start crawl into Cork or Galway, or squeezing onto an already packed DART or bus service, the daily commute for many in Ireland is far from a smooth start. It’s a ritual of patience-testing traffic, the constant worry of being late, and the slow drain on energy even before the workday officially begins.
While it might seem like a personal burden for each individual, the aggregate impact of how your workforce travels to and from the office or campus carries significant, often unseen, costs for your organisation. This is where sustainable mobility solutions become crucial.
The daily grind of getting to and from work in Ireland carries substantial hidden expenses that touch every facet of an organisation. This blog post will discuss these multifaceted burdens, revealing how commuting affects not just the wallet but also:
the well-being and productivity of your workforce,
the environmental footprint of your operations,
the efficiency of your infrastructure.
We aim to provide crucial insights that connect directly to your departmental objectives. You will learn how a deeper understanding of commuting’s true cost can empower you to drive strategic improvements within your organisation through sustainable mobility initiatives.
THE IRISH COMMUTE
A Snapshot of Current Realities
The findings paint a clear picture: many individuals are not travelling as they would prefer, constrained by a noticeable lack of choice, services, and adequate infrastructure.
This study underscores that the commute is far more than just a journey; it’s a pivotal factor influencing career decisions, impacting personal well-being, and significantly shaping Ireland’s environmental footprint.
Implementing sustainable mobility solutions is key to addressing these challenges.
The survey revealed some compelling statistics about how people are currently moving:
Dominance of the Car: More than half (51%) of all commuters rely on driving by car as their primary mode of transport.
This figure rises to a striking 63% for Gen X respondents, compared to 32% for Gen Z. Perhaps most notably, of those who drive, a staggering 91% always or mostly commute by car alone.
This heavy reliance on solo car travel contributes significantly to increased vehicle numbers, heightened congestion, and consequently, higher emissions.
Other Modes: Following cars, buses are the next most popular primary mode at 20%, with walking coming in third at 9%.
In urban areas, bus travel (32%) is as popular as driving by car (32%), highlighting regional variations.
Reasons for Choice: When asked why they choose their primary mode of transport, car commuters most frequently cited time efficiency (48%) and the lack of other options (43%, with 34% specifically mentioning inadequate public transport access).
For bus commuters, affordability was key (50%), followed by it being the only option (34%) and sustainability (27%). Walkers, similarly, chose their mode for its cost-effectiveness (47%), sustainability (30%), and because it was their only viable option (26%).
Commute Distances and Duration
The survey also shed light on the physical realities of the Irish commute:
Distance: The average one-way commute stretches just under 17km. Gen X respondents face the longest commutes, averaging 18.3km. Regionally, commuters in Roscommon (30.56km), Wicklow (24.97km), and Westmeath (23.76km) experience the longest average distances, while those in Longford (6.13km), Waterford (9.58km), and Donegal (11km) have the shortest.
Time: Unsurprisingly, these distances translate into significant time commitments. The average one-way commuting time is just over 35 minutes, equating to approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes per day. Roscommon (approx. 66 mins), Monaghan (approx. 64 mins), and Wicklow (approx. 43 mins) reported the longest average commute times, contrasting with Waterford (approx. 21 mins), Donegal (approx. 21 mins), and Longford (approx. 22.5 mins).
The sheer volume of time spent commuting in Ireland takes a profound toll, particularly on those living further from work or in rural areas with limited sustainable transport options. With the average one-way commute estimated at just over 35 minutes, adding up to approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes per day, or 5 hours per week, and a staggering 20 hours per month in ideal traffic conditions, this time commitment has serious, cumulative consequences. For individuals in counties like Roscommon (averaging 66 minutes one-way) or Monaghan (64 minutes one-way), these figures are even higher.
Imagine dedicating an average of 20 hours each month simply to getting to and from work; this significant investment of time can lead to increased stress, fatigue, and burnout, severely diminishing an individual’s quality of life and overall well-being.
Now that we’ve seen the data about current reality regarding distance, time, and transportation options, let’s look into the cost – the obvious and hidden.
THE OBVIOUS COST
What's in Your Wallet (and Your Employees')
While the broader impacts of commuting often remain unseen, the direct, financial burden is tangible and significant for both individuals and businesses. The “Ireland on the Move” survey sheds light on this, revealing that the average daily commuting cost for individuals in Ireland comes in at €10. This figure fluctuates geographically, with commuters in Roscommon facing the highest daily expenses at €22.17, followed by Kilkenny (€15.50) and Wicklow (€15.18).
Conversely, those in Westmeath (€4.96), Donegal (€6.54), and Longford (€6.63) spend considerably less. The mode of transport also dictates the cost; train commuters bear the highest daily expense at €13.14, while eBike commuters enjoy the lowest, at just €4.71 (excluding walkers).
Beyond these survey-specific averages, the costs quickly accumulate. With average petrol prices in Ireland currently around €1.72 per litre and diesel at approximately €1.69 per litre (May 2025 data), personal vehicle fuel expenses are substantial. Public transport, while often a more sustainable transport choice, also adds up.
Furthermore, car ownership entails ongoing expenses beyond fuel. As we mentioned in our previous blog post, owning and operating a car in Ireland can cost up to 10,691 EUR per year.
These direct out-of-pocket expenses, whether for fuel, fares, maintenance, or parking, represent a constant financial drain that directly impacts an employee’s disposable income and, in turn, their overall financial well-being.
For businesses, while less direct, the collective impact can manifest in areas like fleet management expenses, the cost of providing and maintaining parking infrastructure, and even potentially higher insurance premiums linked to increased employee road time.
While these immediate financial outlays and time expenditures are undeniably significant, they represent only the surface of the real cost of commuting. The true burden extends far deeper, permeating the very fabric of employee well-being, organisational productivity, environmental responsibility, and operational resilience. These are the hidden costs, often overlooked but profoundly impactful.
THE HIDDEN COST BEYOND THE MONATERY VALUE
The Human Cost: Impact on Employees and Risks for Your Company
For HR professionals, the hidden costs of commuting manifest directly in employee well-being, morale, and ultimately, retention. The “Ireland on the Move” survey highlighted that the biggest frustrations for commuters are traffic delays/congestion (cited by 44%), followed by fuel costs and time lost (both 30%).
A significant 45% of people find their commute stressful, a pervasive issue that can spill over into the workday, affecting concentration, mood, and overall job satisfaction. Research indicates that prolonged exposure to traffic stress can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and contribute to mental fatigue which directly impacts concentration and performance.
A study on Dublin commuters found nearly 80% reported their daily commute as stressful, linking it to stress, negative moods, and reduced productivity upon arrival at work.
Long commutes are linked to higher rates of absenteeism and presenteeism (being at work but not fully engaged). More critically, the commute plays a pivotal role in talent strategies.
The “Ireland on the Move” survey revealed that almost two-thirds (65%) of respondents consider available commuting options when choosing a new job. A similar proportion (68%) would outright refuse a job if the commute was too long, and more than a third (35%) are actively looking for new employment specifically for better commuting options – a figure that jumps to 42% among 18-34-year-olds. This directly impacts a company’s ability to attract and retain the best people.
Ultimately, a less stressful commute leads to a more engaged and productive workforce. 76% of commuters believe they would be more satisfied in their work/studies if their commute weren’t as stressful, and 71% believe they would be more productive. This underscores the need for sustainable mobility solutions that prioritise employee well-being.
The Environmental Cost: CO2 Emissions and Reputation
For sustainability leaders, the hidden costs of commuting represent a significant environmental challenge and a critical area for corporate responsibility.
Ireland lags significantly behind its EU peers in meeting its Green Deal and Effort Sharing Regulation targets, currently projected to cut emissions by just 23–29% by 2030, far below the legally binding 51% target, a shortfall that could cost the country up to €26 billion in fines or carbon credits. A major contributor to this emissions gap is transport: over 70% of trips in Ireland are made by car, even for journeys under 2 km.
What’s more, data from the National Transport Authority shows that school and work commutes are the most common trips, with a growing proportion driven solo, further exacerbating congestion and emissions.
The “Ireland on the Move” survey shows similar statistics. It highlighted that driving by car is the primary mode for 51% of commuters, and crucially, 91% of car commuters travel solo.
This widespread reliance on single-occupancy vehicles directly contributes to increased traffic congestion and, more importantly, a higher carbon footprint. Transport already accounts for 21.5% of Ireland’s total national greenhouse gas emissions.
Day-to-day commuting, especially single-occupancy commuting, is not just a nuisance; it’s a core obstacle to Ireland’s environmental goals.
Addressing it directly is no longer optional for companies aiming to meet ESG targets; it’s a strategic imperative.
If you are not sure what your company’s commuting emissions are, we have a tool to help you calculate them: use our free Commuting emissions calculator.
Tell us how your employees commute (approximate data is ok), and we will send you a report on your current commuting emissions and potential for CO2 savings.
Don't know where to start?
The Operational Cost: Parking and Infrastructure
For maintenance and operations teams, the hidden costs of commuting manifest in the often-overlooked demands of supporting a car-dependent workforce. The “Ireland on the Move” survey revealed that 55% of commuters would avoid a city-based job if there were no parking options, underscoring the deep-seated reliance on private vehicles. This dependency directly translates into substantial infrastructure requirements and ongoing expenses for businesses.
Beyond the direct costs of construction and upkeep, extensive car parking facilities also come with associated operational challenges, such as security, lighting, and cleaning. The high proportion of solo drivers means these vast car parks are often operating at near-full capacity during peak hours, yet remain underutilised at other times. This inefficiency ties up valuable company assets that could otherwise be repurposed for more productive uses or green spaces. The cumulative effect of individual commutes also contributes to broader traffic congestion on local road networks, indirectly impacting logistics, delivery schedules, and the overall accessibility of the business premises. Implementing sustainable mobility solutions can alleviate these pressures.
THE SOLUTION:
A Path to a Smarter and Sustainable Commute
The comprehensive picture of commuting in Ireland, from its obvious financial drains to its hidden tolls on human well-being, environmental health, and operational efficiency, paints a clear need for change.
While people are open to more communal and sustainable transport modes, the choice and variety are often lacking. Commuters are demanding better, with a significant 45% having considered carpooling and 31% having tried it. This is where KintoJoin sustainable mobility solutions emerge as the transformative answer, providing the flexibility, choice, and incentive needed to navigate these complex challenges.
KintoJoin offers a streamlined, simple, and effective approach that directly addresses the pain points for all key stakeholders within an organisation:
For HR Leaders:
KintoJoin helps you enhance employee well-being, improve talent attraction and retention (with 58% more likely to join and 65% more likely to stay with favorable commuting options), and boost productivity by easing commute stress (76% more satisfied, 71% more productive with less stressful commutes).
For Sustainability Leaders:
KintoJoin provides concrete tools to reduce your organisation’s carbon footprint (addressing 51% solo car commuters) and meet ESG policy goals, helping bridge the gap where only 26% of commuters currently believe their workplace is doing well in sustainability efforts.
For Maintenance and Operations Leaders:
KintoJoin aids in optimizing parking needs and reducing associated costs, easing traffic congestion, and improving overall site accessibility by promoting shared mobility options.
By providing flexible, accessible, and rewarding options for the daily commute, KintoJoin empowers individuals to make smarter, more sustainable decisions at the touch of a button. It offers a practical and engaging way for businesses to support their workforce, reduce their environmental impact, and streamline their operations, transforming the commute from a burden into a strategic advantage and fostering sustainable mobility.
Book a free demo call with KintoJoin today to discover how our solution can be tailored to your organisation’s unique needs and help you build a more satisfied, productive, and sustainable future.